UNSC AGREES TO ZEBARI REQUEST TO CONTINUE MNF-I

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000527 SENSITIVE SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY (PARA 3 SHOULD READ SBU) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PARM ECON UNSC IZ SUBJECT: UNSC AGREES TO ZEBARI REQUEST TO CONTINUE MNF-I MANDATE THROUGH 2008 Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) As mandated by UNSCR 1790, the Security Council discussed June 13 the mandate of MNF-I and arrangements regarding DFI and the IAMB, and agreed to their continuation for the remainder of the calendar year. Amb Khalilzad reported on behalf of MNF-I, highlighting the decrease in security incidents and improved proficiency of the ISF. Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari also participated in the meeting and provided an update on current developments in Iraq, reporting that ISF "still are short of being able to independently assume full responsibility for the maintenance of security in all Iraqi territory." At the request of the Russian delegation, UN Comptroller Warren Sach briefed on the status of the DFI and the IAMB, focusing on the 2007 External Audit, including weaknesses in internal controls. UN Adviser Ibrahim Gambari delivered a briefing on behalf of UNAMI in which he called for a redoubling of efforts to address human rights issues, IDPs, and refugees. ¶2. (SBU) Russian PR Churkin warned that the SOFA should not "enshrine" the indefinite presence of U.S. troops, and argued a timetable for withdrawal would facilitate reconciliation. He also said Russia believes there is a need to keep the presence of MNF-I within the scope of the Security Council's attention, and criticized the detention of minors. He alleged a "chronic lack of transparency" in the management of the DFI, and lamented the Security Council had taken no "decisive measures" to deal with oil smuggling and contracting irregularities. The South African DPR echoed Russian views on the DFI and urged MNF-I to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law. All Council members welcomed the progress in Iraq, especially the improvements in security, but several expressed concern about the detainees, DFI management, IDPs and refugees. Remarks by Iraqi Foreign Minister -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Iraqi Foreign Minister Zebari provided a comprehensive update on the situation, highlighting the strengthened capacity of the ISF and GOI's willingness to take action regarding security, political, and economic measures to strengthen national reconciliation. He cited ISF operations in Basra and Sadr City as two examples of the GOI confronting unlawful militias. Zebari credited Iraqis with reversing the sectarian war in Iraq. He stated that the ISF are still short of conducting independent operations and said Iraq continues to need the assistance of MNF-I. Zebari also asked for the continuation of the DFI and the IAMB arrangement, but reiterated Iraq's request that the Council reconsider Iraq's UNCC obligations, which he argued put pressure on the Iraqi budget and reconstruction efforts. Of note, the Foreign Minister deleted a sentence from his prepared remarks that called upon the international community "to free Iraq from the designation of Chapter VII of the UN Charter and reinstate Iraq" as a member of the international community. Sach Represents IAMB, Gambari Represents UNAMI -------------- - ¶4. (SBU) UN Controller Warren Sach provided a brief summary of the scope of the DFI and IAMB arrangements. Sach reviewed the results of the 2007 External Audit of DFI, stating that the report highlighted a number of previously identified weaknesses in Iraq's internal controls, namely "incomplete record keeping at the Ministry of Finance, lack of a comprehensive (oil) metering system, sale of oil and oil products outside of the DFI, (and) incomplete contract information associated with US Agencies' contracts." Sach reported that there has been less than a 15 percent implementation rate of audit recommendations. He called for the expeditious implementation of oil metering, a key factor necessary to ensure accountability and transparency over oil resources. Sach noted that although there has been some reduction in barter transactions for oil sales, the Iraqi State Oil Marketing Organization (SOMO) continued to barter during 2007. In conclusion, Sach stated that in May 2008 the IAMB had unanimously approved a recommendation to negotiate with the current auditors (Ernest & Young) to conduct another audit in 2008. ¶5. (SBU) UN Adviser Ibrahim Gambari delivered a briefing on behalf of UNAMI in which he recognized the improved security and political situation in Iraq but cautioned that the situation is still "fragile." (Note: SRSG de Mistura and DPA U/SYG Pascoe were unable to attend. End Note.) Gambari emphasized UNAMI's effort to help Iraq resolve its internal boundary dispute and the issue of Kirkuk. He discussed UNAMI's support of the Iraqi High Electoral Commission (IHEC) in preparation for the upcoming governorate council elections. He welcomed the fact that some member states, including Bahrain, Jordan, and the UAE, had indicated their intention to appoint ambassadors to Iraq in the near future. Gambari called for a re-doubling of efforts to address the Iraqi refugee and IDP issue, and he stated that a great deal more needs to be done to promote the protection of human rights and the rule of law in Iraq. In conclusion, Gambari urged Iraq to take steps to broaden the national reconciliation process and he pledged continued UN support to Iraq. Views on MNF-I Mandate and Conduct -------------- ¶6. (SBU) All delegations welcomed the security progress in Iraq. Russian PR Churkin warned that the prospective SOFA should not "enshrine" the indefinite presence of U.S. troops in Iraq, and said Russia believes there is a need to keep the presence of MNF-I within the Council's "scope of attention." He argued that a timetable for withdrawal would facilitate reconciliation, and said the presence of foreign troops should not/not undermine Iraqi sovereignty "in any way." He expressed concern about MNF-I detention of minors, and called on MNF-I to uphold international humanitarian law. A number of other member countries also expressed concern about the detainee situation in Iraq, including Libyan PR Ettalhi who raised the issue of minors detained by Coalition Forces. Panama and France expressed concern about human rights and due process of detainees. China, South Africa, and Libya also explicitly called on MNF-I to adhere to international humanitarian law. Complaints About DFI -------------- ¶7. (U) Keying off of UN Controller Sach's presentation, a number of delegations expressed concern about the management of the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI). Russia alleged a "chronic lack of transparency" and said the Council had failed to take "decisive measures" against oil smuggling and contracting irregularities, particularly contracts with U.S. sub-contractors. South Africa called for more transparency and additional independent auditors for the IAMB, noting that $23 billion has not been accounted for and suggesting that some of the reported irregularities could constitute violations of UNSCR's. France, Indonesia, Vietnam, Burkina Faso, and Panama all highlighted the importance of the IAMB's oversight role, particularly in seeking increased transparency in the funding process. Need for Attention to IDPs, Refugees -------------- ¶8. (SBU) A number of delegations expressed concern regarding the IDP and refugee situation in Iraq. Italy, Panama, Libya, Burkina Faso, Belgium, Indonesia, and France all mentioned these matters as deserving more attention from the GOI, UNAMI and the Security Council. Many delegations also expressed support for UNAMI, and welcomed the UN's involvement in the upcoming provincial elections. ¶9. (SBU) The text of the adopted by the Security Council confirming the continuation of the MNF-I mandate and DFI/IAMB arrangements through 2008 can be found at http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2008/sc935 8.doc.htm. Khalilzad